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I'm ready to be healthier and more active. I have a concept 2 rowing machine in the office and would like to add *something*.
My goals are to be slimmer and perhaps add some definition to my upper body (but not thinking heavy weights). I struggle with my feet a bit (I can walk but not run), and also had an op on the bottom of my spine years ago so struggle lying on my back or with a pivot point - sit-ups etc.
Had a cross-trainer a while back, but happy with the rower for now.
Quite fancy a pull up bar but would have to be free standing as a high ceiling and the only doorway is right at the top of the stairs.
If barbells then I really have no idea - the web has variations galore. Happy to buy good quality as a chance other folk at work may use.
Or anything else that would be a good addition. Sensible budget.
I've googled, but everything seems affiliate links to gear rather than genuine suggestions.
I'm 50, 6'3" 110kg (aiming for 95kg as a starter), naturally quite broad upper body.
My goals are to be slimmer and perhaps add some definition to my upper body (but not thinking heavy weights). I struggle with my feet a bit (I can walk but not run), and also had an op on the bottom of my spine years ago so struggle lying on my back or with a pivot point - sit-ups etc.
Had a cross-trainer a while back, but happy with the rower for now.
Quite fancy a pull up bar but would have to be free standing as a high ceiling and the only doorway is right at the top of the stairs.
If barbells then I really have no idea - the web has variations galore. Happy to buy good quality as a chance other folk at work may use.
Or anything else that would be a good addition. Sensible budget.
I've googled, but everything seems affiliate links to gear rather than genuine suggestions.
I'm 50, 6'3" 110kg (aiming for 95kg as a starter), naturally quite broad upper body.
A power rack would be first on my list. Obviously you’ll have to be careful if you’ve got a bad back but building up your strength with squats and deadlifts will help it. Plus you can use the rack for pull-ups and benching etc.
Get yourself a 7ft Olympic bar and some weights and you’ll have a good start.
Get yourself a 7ft Olympic bar and some weights and you’ll have a good start.
I'd second the power rack or if space is limited, a good quality Olympic squat stand that can double up as a bench press rack. However given your height, you may struggle with a squat stand to make it high enough for tucked leg chinups. If going down the weights route, always go for Olympic bars and plates for longevity.
There are some bits of equipment in gyms nowadays that use your bodyweight as the weight using cables, and can be adjusted for multiple exercises. Not sure how expensive those are but they could be a great middle ground if full-on Olympic weight training is too much stress for your back etc. I'd argue that calisthetic (or bodyweight) training can be manipulated in so many ways such that it becomes just as good as weight training (think 1 legged squats/explosive box jumps etc.), but you often need more knowledge, practice and technique to accomplish the same goals as with general weights.
Equipment itself is best bought second hand from reputable commercial brands rather than argos's finest. Gyms often have clearouts when updating stock and you can pick up their clearance kit on Facebook marketplace/eBay/gumtree etc. for a lot less than RRP (think brands such as technogym, life fitness, precor, hammer strength etc.)
There are some bits of equipment in gyms nowadays that use your bodyweight as the weight using cables, and can be adjusted for multiple exercises. Not sure how expensive those are but they could be a great middle ground if full-on Olympic weight training is too much stress for your back etc. I'd argue that calisthetic (or bodyweight) training can be manipulated in so many ways such that it becomes just as good as weight training (think 1 legged squats/explosive box jumps etc.), but you often need more knowledge, practice and technique to accomplish the same goals as with general weights.
Equipment itself is best bought second hand from reputable commercial brands rather than argos's finest. Gyms often have clearouts when updating stock and you can pick up their clearance kit on Facebook marketplace/eBay/gumtree etc. for a lot less than RRP (think brands such as technogym, life fitness, precor, hammer strength etc.)
Cliches aside, I had been looking at the chin up and dip station things - although reviews seem to be hit & miss for the larger operator! Maybe I'll look for a 'better' one second hand. The bigger power station things appear (possibly incorrectly) to be more for weightlifting etc - although look sturdier. Space isn't an issue, but they maybe feel a bit much for where I am on this journey.
The straps look interesting. I see a wall mount is available, but in most videos they are attached 'above' with space all around and the ceiling is out for me. They look a sensible budget option and not seen them before (don't get out much!).
Dumbbells are another mystery. I've been using a couple of 5-litre oil bottles with handles
Probably time for an upgrade but I've no idea what's good or value.
Years ago I had a litltle bench thing (maybe York?) that sat on an incline with handles/pulleys and a rolling cushion/seat (a bit like on a rower) and it used your own body weight to exercise (with your whole body moving up and down) - you could add weights to make it tougher. Certainly 10+ years ago, wasn't fancy or expensive and not seen anything similar.
The straps look interesting. I see a wall mount is available, but in most videos they are attached 'above' with space all around and the ceiling is out for me. They look a sensible budget option and not seen them before (don't get out much!).
Dumbbells are another mystery. I've been using a couple of 5-litre oil bottles with handles
Probably time for an upgrade but I've no idea what's good or value. Years ago I had a litltle bench thing (maybe York?) that sat on an incline with handles/pulleys and a rolling cushion/seat (a bit like on a rower) and it used your own body weight to exercise (with your whole body moving up and down) - you could add weights to make it tougher. Certainly 10+ years ago, wasn't fancy or expensive and not seen anything similar.
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